“OTTERS!”And with that one simple yell, two sleek Giant river otters rocketed out from their den, over the log separating their private area from the viewing pool and into the water, sending splashes up the glass. Beneath the draping tendrils of lush Amazon vines, the Dallas World Aquarium otter keeper…

May I be one of the first to wish you the happiest of New Years! And with this New Year, I hope you strive to slow down and explore more, especially in your own backyard! Whether you have lived there a year or 20 years, there is always something to…

The enticing aromas of roasting meats and sweet mead waft among the crowds of costumed revelers. Over the clinking of chain mail and metal armor, jesters and entertainers jeer at passersby. “GIVE ME A DOLLAR!”, yells Skidmark, the filthy “beggar”, at a child that passes too close to his collection…

The French philosopher and novelist, Albert Camus, once said, "Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower." And the second spring that paints New England's countryside each fall remains second to none. Thousands flock to New England annually to bask in autumn's glow while locals gather their…

Even though the calendar declared an official end to summer, the thermometer here in the South continually hits 90 degrees with depressing regularity. And yet, there's a slight shift in the twilight that hints at the promise of an approaching fall. Which usually leads me to daydreaming about New Orleans. The…

As I've said before, I don't need a good reason to travel. I'm up for it at any time. Whether checking off a bucket list item like observing bears in Alaska, visiting family in Vegas, or experiencing the culture in my own backyard, I'm all in. However, I especially get excited…

John Muir once said, “To the lover of wilderness, Alaska is one of the most wonderful countries in the world.” And Wrangell, shrouded in the mists of the nation’s largest national forest, is no exception. Located in the Alaskan Panhandle, Wrangell blends the rich coastal waters and untamable wilds with…

Of all the types of travel we experience, the opportunities where I can lose myself in nature are by far my favorite. Whether hiking rocky mountain trails or kayaking the murky waters of shadowed bayous, putting some miles beneath me seems to wash away the drudgery of everyday life. All…

Around here I wear many hats. Not only am I the farmer's wife (AKA cheerleader) and Cattle Coalition Secretary, but I'm also the tender of the chickens, dog rounder-upper, veggie garden researcher and designer, resident blogger, and freelance travel writer. And as a travel writer for Heart of Texas Magazine…

Whether it's a cocktail at a Mardi Gras Ball or an iced-down beer at a tailgate party, alcohol is unabashedly a part of the culture here in The South. As well as creativity, strong character, and a great appreciation for our natural world. It’s also no secret that we love…